San Diego’s Agriculture industry is both robust and challenged. This $5 billion industry includes extensive flower production, dairy farms, citrus and avocado acreage.

San Diego’s Mediterranean-like climate is home to more than 6,000 farmers who make their living on 6,565 small family farms, 65% of which are less than nine acres. The high cost of water (more than $600/acre foot) and land make San Diego farming here expensive and encourage growers to raise products with a high dollar value per acre.

In the coming years, climate change and water scarcity challenge this industry. More and more citizens are educated about genetically modified organisms (GM0) and organic growing processes. Farmers markets are popular but what else can be done to increase demand, reduce resource use, and allow us to remain sustainable?

How prepared is San Diego agriculture industry to face these challenges and increased demand?